In Vitro Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity of Photo Stimulable Phosphor (PSP) Receptor and FILM-F for Detection of Non-Vertical Root Fracture

Statement of problem: Root fracture of permanent teeth caused by injury are relatively rare, occurred in 0/5-7 percent of dental injuries cases. Generally, final diagnosis is based on the radiographic fitures of a fracture line/ lines, and mobility of the coronal segments of the teeth. In the recent years, digital radiography with different types of receptors has become available. These receptors have some advantages, in which the greatest is dose reduction. The aim of this study was to compare the detectional accuracy of PSP receptor with dental film F in the diagnosis of root facture. In this in-vitro study 162 extracted human teeth were selected and parallel periapical radiographs of teeth were taken with two different receptors (film-F, PSP) under a standard condition. The presence or absence of root fracture was evaluated by two observers according to 2 points confidence scale. The actual status of each root of the tooth was determined by sable-seek staining. Sensitivity and specificity of the imaging modalities were calculated and the observer responses were analyzed with Mc-Nemar and kappa test. The sensitivity value of F-speed film and PSP receptor were 80 and 77.5% respectively, while the specificity values were 83.5 and 87% respectively. The difference in detecting root fracture between the test groups was not statistically significant. Although, there is no statistically significant differences between evaluated imaging modalities in root fracture detection, because of reduced exposure in digital radiography relative to conventional film, it seems logical if the conventional radiographic films will be replaced by digital system in root fracture detection.